Sky TV and Microsoft in Talks

Sky TV and Microsoft are exploring the possibility of “Xbox Kinect integration” in NZ.

In the UK, the two have just announced a partnership that will let Xbox 360 owners watch Sky TV on-demand using the upcoming Kinect motion control system.

Reportedly, owners will be able to move through channels using hand gestures or via voice control.

Sky NZ spokesman Tony O’Brien has confirmed talks are under way about a similar service here.

“We’re in preliminary discusssions with Microsoft and won’t be commenting until if and when they are formalised,” he told ScreenScribe.tv.

Meanwhile, Sky has just issued a press release announcing it has partnered with Vodafone, Orcon, Slingshot, Woosh, Xnet and Farmside to create un-metered broadband plans for its pending online TV service, iSky.

It will provide subscribers access to an extensive selection of online content streamed directly to PCs and Macs without impinging on their monthly ISP data allowance.

Content will include three live sports and two live news channels, plus the ability to catch up on recently broadcast content at no cost for nearly all of Sky’s Basic channels (including free-to-air channel Prime).

There will also be a Sports Highlights and a Movies catch-up channel, together with a library of movies, documentaries and TV series for renting.

The downside is none of this will be in HD, although that may change as iSky is rolled out in further phases, with its final delivery platform being My Sky HDi.

Earlier this week, Sky confirmed Orcon/Kordia as its content delivery partner for building a high-performance content delivery network.

iSky is scheduled to launch later this year and eventually will be accessible through My Sky HDi. Subscribers can register at www.iSky.co.nz and be in to win a prize for early registration.